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Love, Satisfaction, and Forgiveness
Sharing the wisdom of Shri Anandi Ma
A few weekends ago, my teacher Shri Anandi Ma had a live webcast of her public meditation program in Antioch, CA. The chanting, meditation and Q&A was full of so much love and energy! And what has really stuck with me since that evening were Anandi Ma’s closing remarks. At a time when we are in the midst of so much political upheaval and division, I find her words more important that ever.
She requested that all in attendance keep three things in their hearts and minds…
1. Love.
She said, we all know what love is because there are people in lives that we are grateful for and love. But when we only love family, friends and those we know, we have a limited view of love. Unconditional love is love for the creator and for everyone in the world, including ourselves. It’s not easy, it takes time since we may not see eye to eye with everyone. But unconditional love, is something you have to work at and cultivate.
Personally, as a liberal, minority, woman, living in a mostly upper-class, conservative, caucasian neighborhood I’ve never felt more conscious of my ethnicity and views. I’ve always considered LOVE to be my super power, but some days I really feel my super power being tested. So this is a great reminder, that despite all that’s going on….unconditional love is always the higher road. And definitely a quality that has to be constantly cultivated and refined as times and situations change.
2. Satisfaction.
She then went on to say, that most of us lack inner satisfaction. Her example was that we all work so hard and then look at our neighbor who is not working as hard and wonder how is he/she making millions? How is are they living the life they’re living?
She pointed out that when there is satisfaction within, then no matter what your external circumstance is, you will know that the whole world is already within you—you are lacking nothing.
These words really hit home for me. As an artist and budding entrepreneur, my definition of success has definitely been challenged over the past few years. It’s easy for “the grass is greener on the other side” kind of attitude to silently slip in when we’re having a hard day or something doesn’t work out. I’ve been consciously trying to be more aware of these moments because I don’t like coming from a limited point of view. And I truly believe deep down, that whatever’s meant for each us is going to happen–and happen for our best. It’s a test of faith and a blessing to truly believe you are exactly where we need to be at any given moment. I’ve definitely found that gratitude helps remind me of all the abundance that constantly surrounds me…inside and out.
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3. Forgiveness.
Lastly, she said, everyone in this world is not the same. Everyone is different. Everyone speaks differently. And when someone says something that rubs us the wrong way, we think of how can we get back at them. But when we think like that a knot develops inside our heart. And then we can never really forget that incident. She then posed the question, why does that happen?
She went on to explain that there is unity and then there is division. When we see people as separate to us, we are not coming from a place of unity. And the thing is that we may look and act different—but in fact we are all the same, we are all one. When we truly see the world as one, then who are we really getting mad at? Who are we taking revenge on?
She ended by saying, when you can see God in everyone, then love, satisfaction and forgiveness can come a lot easier. She also pointed out that it’s very easy to meditation for 8-10 hours, but it’s more difficult to forgive, be satisfied with whatever you have or do not have and to love unconditional. But if you can do these three things, then you will be truly happy.
And her closing was spot on for me. Forgiveness is not easy. Whether’s it’s on the political front, between friends or with a stranger that just tried to run you off the road…forgiveness is hard. But it is a sign of compassion, kindness and moving forward—qualities I’ve always strived to develop. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve definitely been guilty of being mad or holding a grudge against someone. However, in the end I think it hurts me just as much as the other person….or sometimes even more than the other person. That knot that forms is deep and not worth the feelings or side effects that come along with it.
I guess my biggest take away from her words is the deeper work of yogic philosophy happens off the mat. It’s a life long practice that requires an ample amount of love, forgiveness and satisfaction both for yourself as well as those around you. And these qualities don’t just appear one day. Instead they have to patiently be cultivated and nurtured one day at a time.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on her words…so leave a comment below.
Here’s to taking our practice off the mat and into the world :)!
xo,
Kajal
